Fresh Future Farm — Local services in North Charleston

I REALLY wanted to like this place and believe in and support their mission. Upon visiting for a volunteer event there were some glaring issues that just didn't make sense. What was stated versus the actual conditions of the property just did not match up. I loved the idea and the goals that are intended - the execution of those ideas and goals left a lot to be desired.

There appears to be no rhyme or reason to the layout of the produce plots. The lot itself is absolutely littered with trash, broken or unused equipment and native weeds. I found a brand new mulcher half buried and covered in vines. Several yellow jacket nests, some areas overrun with banana trees or morning glory. I found several baby pools that likely once held crops buried almost a foot deep and overrun with morning glory and blackberry vines. What crops they did have growing looked poorly or had been allowed to spread unattended. No walkways, several heaps of cardboard trash that also contained glass and plastic (so not intended for compost). There were several raised beds that had standing murky water in them. One of which was under what appeared to be a half finished green house with picnic tables, had mosquito larvae floating in it. Toward the back of the property there are holes in the fence that have obviously been damaged by local transients. This is where I found several empty liquor bottles and drug paraphernalia.

Rather than criticize or bring attention to what they likely already know about the damage and trash, I scoured the property for an hour and picked up as much trash as I could and disposed of any rotted crops and pulled some vines. My heart breaks for anything and anyone involved with this place. They're either severely short handed or misguided. Not sure which is the case. I just pray that they continue to reach out for volunteers to get the place back in order. And that the animals that are intended to end up on this property are treated with respect and cared for better than the crops are.

I would be more than willing to return as many times as needed to help them get the place back in shape. I also would love to help with the chickens they intend to bring to the property so they properly protect and care for those animals. I wrote this review to hopefully get some answers and have them reach out to me for more volunteer work as needed. I love the idea and the message, I just think they need A LOT...

I took my science class to the farm and we had an awesome time ! Ms Jermaine told us her story on what inspired her to start the farm! Providing fresh produce to a community that does not have much access to fresh produce was one of her aspirations! My students were able to harvest sugar from fresh sugar cane grown on the farm! Amazing time today at Fresh...

I've attended two workshops with Fresh Future Farm and found both to be very informative. The classes are very well done and full of rich information. They are doing so much good in the Charleston, SC community while also raising awareness about other great farmers around the country. I look forward to visiting their grocery store and supporting...